Hadleigh Olympic Torch

Police Protection

The Olympic Torch came to Hadleigh, and very briefly to Benfleet, on Friday 6th July 2012. It was well protected by police from both the Metropolitan Police and Essex Police.

The Metropolitan Police had responsibility for protecting the flame in transit. This is most obvious by the cars and motorbikes in the parade. However they also ran with the flame providing a guard on each side to prevent trouble.


The Essex Police were responsible for local crowd control. They can be recognised in photographs by the “VG” emblazoned on their high-visibility vests.


The entire atmosphere was very friendly and excited. There was no noticeable trouble. The Essex Police were chatting with the crowds, as nobody was pushing forward. The motorbike police were high-fiving people as they drove along.


There was one amusing incident outside St. James the Less church when a lady in green approached one of the Metropolitan Police motorbikes and created a sound mix using the bikes sirens. She then kissed the policeman and danced off down the road much to the amusement of the crowd and apparently the police. I managed to record the sound mix using a hand recorder but only managed to catch a short section on video. The video below show the results.

Our thanks to the police of both forces for making the day safe and fun.

 

Met Police motorbike blocking the turning near St. James the Less.
Phil Coley
Essex Police (VG) waiting in Chapel Lane for the Olympic Torch to come back from the bike track.
Phil Coley
Essex Police Bronze Commander briefing an officer.
Phil Coley
Two Met Police Officers running with the flame. Notice they each have ear pieces.
Phil Coley
Motorbike Police high-fiving people
Jenny Day
Friendly Essex Officer
Mike Day

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